Alcohol-Free Herbal Tinctures — Super Easy! #AskWardee 055

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Want to use herbal extracts … but not if they're made with alcohol? Judy B. is in the same boat…

Hi, Wardee. You've talked about alcohol-based herbal tinctures, and I would love to make and use these but I've got small children. Is it possible to make alcohol-free herbal tinctures? Thank you so much.

Herbal extracts are arguably the most potent way to deliver the healing and balancing benefits of herbs to our bodies.

Yet, what if you can't or don't want to consume alcohol — or give it to your kids?

Are you out of luck? Absolutely not!

Because… you can make a glycerin-based, alcohol-free herbal extract — also known as an herbal glycerite.

In today's #AskWardee, we're going to talk about the benefits of glycerin-based extracts and how easy they are to make!

Disclaimer: Please keep in mind that I'm not a doctor and can't give medical advice, so everything I share today is from our own experience and what has worked for us. You should do your own research and make your own decisions about how to treat any illness. God bless you!

I broadcast #AskWardee live each Wednesday at 10am Pacific (1pm Eastern) on Periscope and Facebook Live. Both the podcast and video replay of this week's show are below. Enjoy!

The Question:

Judy B. asks:

Hi, Wardee. You've talked about alcohol-based herbal tinctures, and I would love to make and use these but I've got small children. Is it possible to make alcohol-free herbal tinctures? Thank you so much.

Yes, You Can Make Alcohol-Free Herbal Tinctures — And They're Super Easy!

Although they aren't quite as potent or long-lasting as alcohol-based tinctures, glycerites are a great option for families. Why?

They're faster to make. While an alcohol-based tincture will take 6 to 8 weeks, a glycerin-based, non-alcoholic herbal extract takes just 3 days.

They taste better because they're sweet. Which means kids often love taking them — instead of complaining about them! (This is because of the glycerin base — read more about that below.)

And, last but not least — you can save a bundle by making your own! Katie Mae Stanley, one of our contributing writers says:

Making your own herbal glycerite may seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Homemade glycerites are also much easier on the pocketbook. Store-bought ones are easily $8 dollars per 4-ounce bottle, while it costs $8 to make an entire quart or more of the homemade stuff.

So, considering that they're faster to make, alcohol-free, taste better, and it's cheaper to make your own — homemade glycerites are the way to go for many people. Especially when kids are involved. 😉

A Bit About Glycerin

Glycerine (or glycerol) is a natural component of all fats and oils. When fats are digested in the body, they are broken down into fatty acids and glycerine. Hence, glycerine is a non-toxic, natural food substance. It is also a good solvent of herbal constituents and a preservative. To top it off, glycerine is also sweet tasting but does not cause blood sugar problems. This glycerine is Kosher, non-GMO, and Halal Certified. It is generated exclusively from vegetable-based sources and has many uses. —Bulk Herb Store

How To Make Alcohol-Free Herbal Tinctures (aka Glycerites)

I've been promising it's really easy to make these — and it really is!

What Is The #AskWardee Show?

The #AskWardee Show is the live weekly show devoted to answering your niggling questions about Traditional Cooking: whether it's your sourdough starter, your sauerkraut, preserving foods, broth, superfoods or anything else to do with Traditional Cooking or your GNOWFGLINS lifestyle.

Want To Get YOUR Questions Answered?

Send an email to wardee at AskWardee dot tv — add #AskWardee to your email so I know it's for the show

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Do you make herbal glycerites? Which herbs really work for your family?

Disclaimer: Please keep in mind that I'm not a doctor and can't give medical advice, so everything I share today is from our own experience and what has worked for us. You should do your own research and make your own decisions about how to treat any illness, including a cold. God bless you!

We only recommend products and services we wholeheartedly endorse. This post may contain special links through which we earn a small commission if you make a purchase (though your price is the same).

Reader Interactions

Comments

Tinctures made this way,same way I do spearmint and peppermint. To make lavender oil I use method from early days. Grind leaves and flowers.put in mason jar with canola oil . Cook in sun for 30days. Strain and store in dark containers in cool basement.for misting spray,I put a few drops in spraybottle with vodka,which evaporates and leaves the lavender essence without the door of vodka. If u use alcohol u can smell the alcohol. Lavender oil is good for all the other reasons I am sure u all know about. Ps, I grow my butterfly and English lavender near my entrance doors as it keeps mosquitoes away.

Ive never understood how the glycerite is ready in 3 days compared to the tincture. It seems its in no way as strong as the tincture. Which would explain why Trilight’s glycerites have such large dosing on the bottles. Still I dont know that its comparable to taking a tinctured herb even at the incredibly high dosages.

Helene ~ Alcohol IS a better extractor of the herb’s properties. Glycerine is a good option for those who can’t/don’t want alcohol. Better something than nothing, right? Even so, I have had great results with glycerine tinctures – they do work IMO.

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